On Monday afternoon, the Memphis Grizzlies shocked the NBA world by firing head coach David Fizdale less than two seasons into his tenure. His dismissal appears to stem from tension with Grizzlies All-Star center Marc Gasol, but the move was still a surprise. Fizdale is a well-regarded coach and has many admirers around the league. Many players, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade (who have strong relationships with Fizdale from his time as an assistant coach in Miami), took to Twitter to defend him following the news. Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni also had some kind words for Fizdale when asked for his reaction, pointing out that Houston has lost to Memphis twice this season.

#Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni on the #Grizzlies firing David Fizdale: "He's a real good coach. We've lost four games this year, and two of them came at his hands. … He's a good coach, I do know that for sure." pic.twitter.com/agZOSfWk2b

Former Rockets coach J.B. Bickerstaff will serve as the Grizzlies’ interim head coach following Fizdale’s dismissal. Bickerstaff, a former Rockets assistant, was Houston’s interim head coach during the 2015-16 season, after the team fired Kevin McHale shortly into that season. He joined Fizdale’s staff during the 2016 offseason after the Rockets hired D’Antoni.

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